Love.

If adhered to its true definition as outlined in the dictionaries of her world, love was a pure and powerful emotion that one experiences towards someone whose happiness had unexpectedly become more important than their own. The most remarkable example of this sensation was that of God, a being who loved his children more than he loved himself.

According to the ancient tales written in the sacred books of the Underworld, the renowned God of Heaven was believed to be the originator of this enchanting emotion, bestowing it upon his beloved children so that they, too, could savor the divine elixir that was love. It was because of him and the emotion known as love that the entities in his world were finally able to settle into a false peace. Without love, they would have been locked in an eternal battle against one another.

"Then why is my life completely devoid of it?" Rias whispered to herself, her face contorting into a scowl as she gazed at the stars in the sky above.

They looked as beautiful as ever, just like old times. Not a single flaw could be seen - they were flawless. And why wouldn't they be? They were supposed to exude serenity and strength, after all.

"Strong…"

Sadness engulfed her admiration as she recalled the deception inflicted upon her by her own family members. "They have ruined my life," the red-haired girl whispered to herself, vividly recalling the unfair treatment she had endured for no valid reason. "Throughout my entire life, I was always told to become a strong devil like them, but before I could prove myself, they discarded me like I was nothing more than a worthless object, throwing me to that monster." Tears filled her eyes, but she wiped them away before they could fall and stain the ground. They were of no use now. If they couldn't change her life in the past, then she was sure they wouldn't change it now either.

Now her entire life was being controlled by someone else, someone about whom she knew very little. The only thing she knew about him was that he was a powerful devil, and to ensure her safety under his protection, she would need to master her emotions and obey his commands. These seemingly insignificant emotions, such as sadness and anger, were her greatest enemies. If she didn't learn to control them soon, they would undoubtedly make her life a living hell.

Rias still vividly remembers the words her mother-in-law said to her when they first met.

'If you want to experience the same happiness that your mother and I have, it is important for you to realize that you are now an integral part of Riser's life. Once you understand this, he will always treat you well.'

Rias knew her mother-in-law was lying when she spoke those words to her. There was no way she could be happy with a man who viewed women as if they were rare collectibles. Never. She could never be happy with him.

"But what other choice do I have?"

Her current life was nothing more of a tragedy. Never in her scariest dreams did she imagine that she would be forced to live a life with a man who viewed her as an object created to satisfy his lust. Rias despised it, she loathed it with all her heart. However, she couldn't escape from it, as it was now her sole means of survival. What was once a girl adorned with the bright feathers of freedom and contentment had transformed into a being that desired nothing but a merciful release from death.

"It's all my fault. I should have never backed down that day." Rias scolded herself, berating her lack of courage for the thousandth time. "I should have jumped off that bridge. At least then I would have been free from all the troubles and my past." Her soft-spoken words went unheard as usual, and her heart sank even deeper into the valley of sadness.

'Thud…'

Her mind became blank as the unusual sound of footsteps echoed in her ears.

"Lady Rias, how many times must I remind you not to leave your apartment without informing me?" A familiar voice made its presence known to the young lady. "I was entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of you and when you vanish like that, everyone holds me accountable for it." The monotone timbre of the individual's voice served as a sad reminder of the kind of life Rias was being slowly consumed by.

A hell.

"I didn't want anyone to follow me here, Mihae. Just tell me why you are here and leave."

The exasperated sigh that Mihae let out didn't go unheard by Rias, but after living with her for so long, she had grown accustomed to it. Those threats seemed hollow and insincere. "Do not pretend you are in charge, Lady Rias. We both know that Master Riser is the one in control, and when he discovers you've left your apartment without me, he becomes very possessive." Despite Mihae's genuine tone of fear, it failed to rattle Rias, who simply continued to gaze at the stunning dark skies.

"Hmm…"

A playful smile crept across Rias' face when she heard Mihae let out a defeated sigh. If there was one thing that brought a glimmer of excitement to her otherwise dull life, it was teasing Mihae for no apparent reason. It always brought her joy to witness the poor girl tremble and fume in response to her actions. "Anyway, I just wanted to inform you that Lord Beelzebub has granted your request to transfer the responsibility of your peerage members to your mother. They are now under her jurisdiction, which means they are no longer included in the marriage contract." Now that sent a jolt of disbelief through Rias.

Did she hear correctly?

"Lady Rias?"

Had her beloved brother actually done something by going against their father?

"Lady Rias you there?"

'Kiba… Gasper… Koneko… And Akeno…'

Tears began to stream down her face, and she made no effort to hold them back.

"Lady..." Mihae paused in the middle of her sentence as the sound of Rias' sobs reached her ears. With a mixture of remorse and respect, she averted her gaze from the girl, unable to bear the shame that overwhelmed her. Whether she was a slave or not, she was still a girl who had emotions and could empathize with every feeling that Rias was going through at that moment. In a humble tone, she expressed her remorse, "Forgive me, Lady Rias." However, as she attempted to distance herself from the girl, she was abruptly halted in her tracks.

"Thank you for letting me know, Mihae."

Mihae fought to suppress her sobs, her lips trembling.

"You're welcome, Lady Rias."

-Rias' Apartment-

"What are you planning to do with your daughter, Lord Gremory?"

"I… I don't know, Marvin. She is good for nothing without that power."

"I know, that's why I asked, Master. Without that power, her significance in that contract diminishes greatly. She offers no meaningful contributions to that partnership."

"I am aware, but unfortunately, there is little we can do, my dear friend. Her lack of usefulness has already brought considerable disgrace to our household in recent years. I fear that she will only further tarnish our reputation with this marriage."

"That is somewhat-"

Slam!

Silence engulfed the room as the shattering of glass echoed through the walls of the magnificent and luxurious chamber.

"Just look at her, Marvin. She is so pathetic."

"Master-"

"Please refrain from interrupting me this time. I need to vent my frustrations, and I request a moment alone with my daughter."

"As you wish, Master."

"Rias!"

A pair of beautiful blue eyes searched for an escape, their expression filled with shame and fear, as they found themselves cornered by the cold gaze of an individual who once used to regard her with fondness and admiration.

"Why are you so weak, Rias? Why don't you possess the strength of your mother and brother? Explain to me... I beg you, please explain."

Tears began to well up within them, giving them a heartbreaking combination of vulnerability and shame.

"Look at me, my child."

She didn't. She couldn't.

"Look at me… Please…"

A sliver of hope and courage ignited within her when she heard her father's vulnerable voice. Perhaps, just perhaps, for once, he was being kind to her.

"Look at me, you pathetic excuse for a devil!"

Pain coursed through her mind as the biting words of her father pierced her ears.

"Do you realize the embarrassment I experience whenever I meet my friends and discuss you? It always results in them mocking me and my standing in our society. Your weakness is ridiculed everywhere I go."

Rias trembled as the harsh words of her father pierced her thoughts. He was correct. It was entirely her fault.

"People claim that you are worthless without that power and it infuriates me."

Her eyes turned towards the ground, and she glanced at her small hands. 'If only I had that power,' she thought as she tried to suppress her cries in front of her father. Without the power of destruction and potent magic, she knew she was nothing. They were the pride of her family, a symbol that had made them so reputable in the underworld. It was all she had, nothing more and nothing less.

"I should have sent you away to a private place where nobody could have known about you and your weakness before anyone could have found out. At least then I could have saved our family from embarrassment by telling these people that I have no daughter."

'N-no daughter?'

Tears cascaded down her cheeks, leaving behind a trail of stains on the pristine marble floor beneath her as the bitter realization finally dawned upon her. It was all in vain, wasn't it? Her pleas, her cries, and even her precious tears held no significance for anyone. In their eyes, she was seen as nothing more than a pitiful, vulnerable girl who should never have been born into their family.

"Maybe after your marriage, I'll finally be able to lead a life free from the burden of shame."

Pain and grief were swiftly replaced by fear when Rias heard those unsettling words. 'Marriage...' She was going to be married to someone she didn't even know. Someone who was going to make her his slave, an existence even more unbearable than death. According to her caretaker, the boy to whom she was to be married was the epitome of everything she abhorred.

'He's just like my father.'

"From what I have heard, the younger son of Lord Phenex is a brilliant lad. I think he'll be able to have a positive influence on you, unlike your mother and brother."

Control.

Rias' remaining will crumbled down in an instant as glimpses of her once attainable dreams began to materialize before her very eyes. They were beautiful and were the source of her conviction. It was because of them that she persisted in living a life devoid of love and happiness. They were more important to her than anything else, as achieving them meant being on par with her brother, something she was willing to sacrifice everything for.

'But soon in a few years, I'll be left with nothing but broken dreams and despair.'

Her lips started trembling as thoughts of her future life flooded her mind. They were repugnant and cruel, completely contrary to the life she had always envisioned for herself.

'No!'

"No!"

-oOo-

"No!"

Draped in a thin layer of sweat and tears, Rias' face tightened a little as her dull blue eyes snapped open in shock, and found themselves fixated on the white ceiling above.

The white plaster wall, the cold blue floor, and the white ceiling above all seemed to glare at her with an air of menace and audacity. It was as though they were mocking her for her unfulfilled dreams and perceived failures.

Even the colors taunted her, as the purity and innocence of white were stolen from her life by her husband. The serenity, stability, inspiration, wisdom, and health embodied by blue were trampled upon just like the floor.

"You will be free from this contract, Rias. I promise you that."

Resurfacing from the depths of her mind, a long-lost memory decided to reveal itself once more after countless years. 'Brother!' A spark of anger ignited within her heart as she identified the voice in her mind. It was him, the person she used to admire above all others, the one who had vowed to liberate her from her chains.

It was because of him that she started to envision those illusory dreams. He was the one who vowed to assist her in attaining the freedom she craved so passionately. Without her brother, Rias would have never become the person she is today. He planted false hope in her heart, and she accepted it unquestioningly. "I should never have shared my dream with him. Maybe then I could have been like Yubelluna, a puppet without dreams." Rias shook her head, muttering something under her breath.

"What am I thinking?" she whispered. Despite being false, her dreams of freedom remained the only source of solace during her desolate childhood. Without them, she would have lost hope long ago. So, instead of getting angry at her brother, she should express gratitude towards him because he was the one who granted her that seed of hope.

In her sorrowful and bleak childhood, her brother and mother were her only anchor, keeping her safe from being engulfed in a sea of despair. While she despised her own existence, her mother and brother cherished her without limit. To them, she was their Princess, the one they were determined to protect at any cost. Sadly, by the time they could offer assistance, she had already slipped through their fingers, long gone.

"No need to dwell on them now. It will only worsen my mental health," Rias said as she left the comfort of her bed and headed towards the washroom. "I need to meet Sōna as well. Now that my school days are almost over, I believe it's time to cut my ties with the human world once and for all," Rias whispered to herself as she slowly rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

-oOo-

Kuoh Academy was massive, Rias observed casually as she gazed at the colossal structure of concrete that loomed before her. It was beautiful, spacious, and bustling with life. The children coming in and out of the building added a charming touch to the establishment.

Despite having seen the building many times over the past few years, no matter how much she gazed at it, the view never failed to captivate her. Its beauty and significance to her were, and would always be, indescribable.

"I wonder where Sōna is right now," she whispered to herself, her eyes still fixed on the building. There was something serene about it, something that had always made her feel calm, no matter how panicked or sad she was. "Perhaps it's because it used to be my second home..." Her statement caused her to flinch as she realized that soon she would no longer be able to call it that. "But it still provided me with many beautiful memories to cherish." This thought calmed her down a little, so she decided to momentarily set the subject aside.

As she walked closer to the building, a rush of anxiety made her heart beat faster. She felt a profound sadness; there was no denying that fact. And why should she deny it? She had been an important part of this place for so long, pouring her heart and soul into it. Now, she was reluctantly saying goodbye to it, placed in the hands of strangers who were unaware of her life and dreams.

"Issei-kun, you are incredibly rude!"

Sōna's distinct voice jolted Rias out of her stupor and compelled her to pivot towards the direction of the sound.

"Huh?" Rias blinked in disbelief at the unusual sight unfolding before her eyes. A small, mischievous grin tugged at the corners of her lips as she noticed the strained smile plastered across Sōna's face. It was evident that the girl was struggling with something, her face serving as a telltale sign. 'Poor Sōna...' She wished she could laugh at her, but Rias knew deep down that laughter was beyond her reach now. The carefree days of sharing laughter with her friends seemed like a distant memory. All she could manage now was to put on a false smile for them.

"Buchou, you are embarrassing me in front of Rias-senpai. It wasn't that big of a deal anyway. I just praised her breasts."

Rias' attention shifted towards the boy. "Issei..." The moment her eyes met his, a wave of familiar energy overwhelmed her vision. 'His strength has increased,' she couldn't help but notice as she tried to gather her thoughts. 'I'm glad he's doing well. The last time I saw him, he was struggling and facing various challenges. Perhaps Sōna helped him sort things out.' Rias' thoughts then took an unexpected turn as she remembered the time she had missed the opportunity to add him to her peerage. It was an incredibly easy opportunity to take advantage of, yet for some inexplicable reason, she chose not to.

Rias couldn't bear to add another individual to her peerage, knowing that he would only suffer later in the fight against Riser. Of course, he possessed a sacred gear within himself, but even so, it would not have altered the outcome. Her defeat was unavoidable, and she wanted that no one else should bear witness to it. 'Now that I look at him, I can't help but wonder... Did I make a mistake by not including him in my peerage?' Her eyes turned to him once more, but instead of being repelled by that energy, she was met with nothing but a shallow pool of desire and illicit thoughts.

'Maybe not…'

"What are you looking at, Rias?" Rias' thoughts were yet again obstructed by Sōna, who approached her with Issei closely in tow. "Are you staring at Issei? If yes, then please don't. Issei-kun already has a significant struggle with girls and I don't want you to provoke any second thoughts by gazing at him like that." The way Sōna phrased that statement was odd considering she was supposed to be a calm and well-mannered individual. At that moment, she seemed distant towards her, which left Rias bewildered. This behavior was unfamiliar to her, as she had never witnessed her friend acting that way before.

"I was not staring at him, Sōna. I was just thinking about something else."

"Are you referring to your marriage with that man by 'something else'?" Sōna's words dripped with contempt and anger. "Or abandoning this school and leaving us to live somewhere you don't truly belong?"

"S-Sōna?" Rias didn't know what her friend was trying to achieve with that sudden shift in her behavior, but fortunately for her, everything became clear when Sōna opened her mouth again and started talking.

"Address me as Student President, Rias. I am no longer your friend. Our friendship ended the moment you refused to accept my help that day," Sōna declared, her eyes briefly glancing towards the crowd of students conversing in the opposite direction. "If you had truly valued our friendship, then you would have seized Issei before me, but you didn't. You rejected him, just like everyone else who I had offered to you before him."

Rias, who was listening to every word, felt a pang of guilt and regret.

"Don't suddenly act sad now, Rias. We can't change anything now, so it's better to move on from it."

"Hmm…"

Sona gazed at the girl with a heavy heart. "If you have come to collect your graduation certificate, rest assured- it will be promptly mailed to your home under the supervision of a department representative."

Rias felt an overwhelming wave of despair and grief as she noticed Sōna's footsteps fading away. She watched helplessly as Sōna walked further and further from her, unable to do anything but stare at her receding figure. 'I'm sorry, Sōna,' she thought, moments away from departing. However, her departure was halted by Sōna's sudden decision to speak up.

"I'll also send some flyers along with your certificate, as there isn't much for you to do at home."

Rias didn't need to ask why as her question was answered immediately.

"That will give you a reason to enjoy your final day here without the burden of her constant presence. Just inform her it's an errand assigned by me."

With that said, Sōna departed with Issei, leaving a sad yet somewhat relieved Rias in solitude.

-oOo-

'N-Naruto-kun!'

'Naruto b-baka!'

'Goodbye, my one and only friend…'

A pair of blue eyes snapped open, fixated on the vast expanse of turbulent blue stretching beneath him, mirroring the turmoil within his heart.

Blood?

He recognized that thing. It was red, just like their lips and eyes. He had witnessed that thing, streaming like an untamed river beside the bodies of his friends, abandoned to rot and be consumed by scavengers that wandered the land. Their lives had no value, at least not in the eyes of the higher authorities who, when the time came, discarded them like disposable tools on their journey to success.

Those who remained to fight soon perished in what could be considered one of the most harrowing battles of their lives. This battle held their world at stake, and in the face of such high stakes, sacrifices were inevitable. And so they were created, swiftly and efficiently. Thousands sacrificed their lives to preserve what they considered precious. Some held their families dear, while others believed that ensuring the safety of their village was of the utmost importance.

He, too, was one of them, bravely fighting alongside others to protect what he considered precious: his friends. His friends were not just important to him; they were his entire world. His entire life revolved around them, particularly those two, his cherished teammates. 'Sasuke and Sakura.' Even the mere mention of their names ignited a flood of painful memories he had struggled relentlessly to suppress over the years. Why? Those memories served as a powerful reminder of how much he failed as a savior, as a shinobi, and, most importantly, as a friend. He was entrusted with their protection.

"My life is no longer worth living. I don't deserve to exist after having disappointed everyone," he muttered with a resolute tone, refusing to retreat from his imminent course of action. There was no reason to continue any longer, especially in this completely different realm. He had accomplished all that he was meant to do in his own world. Now, the only thing left for him to achieve was death. A cold and delightful slumber that would transport him to the enchanting realm where his loved ones awaited him eagerly.

"I hope that this time, I will be able to meet everyone," he thought to himself. His dull, damp eyes scanned the vast expanse of water for the last time before being swallowed by the darkness, leaving him to feel the chill of the uncommon night. "I'm..." His words evaporated from his lips and his eyes jolted wide open as he registered an unexpected voice from behind.

"Man… I mizz those oohld daez, Shero."

Naruto blinked as he wiped the tears away from his eyes with the corner of his sleeve.

"Ywahhh… Yamatooo… those daeezz were the besstt."

Relieved, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief as both men appeared to be drunk and clueless about their surroundings from the sound of their voices. For a moment, he had thought that these two were the night patrol guards, but he was glad to discover that this was not the case.

"Sitingg awwlongside our maathers and enjoying the fuud."

Naruto's patience was wearing thin.

"Espeshiially raa..mayn. Hakata raamayn is bezzt man. Itzz out of tis wurld!"

That specific statement immediately caught Naruto's attention. 'Ramen?' he thought to himself as he slowly sat down on the sturdy embankments of the bridge.

"Itzz a must tryy befuer you die, Shiro!"

Amazement flickered in his blue eyes as he tracked the men until they gradually disappeared into the obscurity of the night, paying him no attention whatsoever. It was as if he didn't even exist for them, but that wasn't what shocked Naruto. Instead, it was their words that captured his attention and ignited the flames of curiosity within him. "Hakata Ramen..." he reminisced about the name the man had given to the ramen. "What makes it so special?" His mind couldn't help but ponder the remarkable taste of ramen that compelled the man to deem it an essential dish to experience before dying. As he contemplated the exquisite dish he had recently discovered about, a chilling gust of wind suddenly swept past him, snapping him out of his trance.

His focus shifted from the dish to the haunting memories of the losses he had suffered in the devastating war. "No... I can't afford to waste another moment. They're surely waiting for me on the other side. I can't be tardy, not this time," he declared with resolute determination. Uzumaki Naruto stood at the edge, his heart unwavering, ready to take the final step toward freedom from this hellish existence.

"I'm sorry, everyone." Feeling the winds intensify and the waves surge in the river, Naruto raised his feet, preparing to leap with all his might for one final time. This would be his ultimate jump, a leap that would liberate him from the shackles of his past.

'Hakata Ramen. The most delicious ramen in the world!'

'It's a must try!'

'Ramen…'

Shame shimmered in Naruto's eyes as he unfolded them to survey his surroundings. "I want to eat it," were the first words that escaped his lips as he drew back his feet and sat down on the cold surface, feeling nothing but emptiness inside. "I'm not sure if there is ramen on the other side. Why not give it a try before I die?" He whispered, his voice completely devoid of any emotion.

Was it inappropriate to request something like that while you were contemplating suicide? He was unsure. He had never attempted suicide before, but what he did know was that his shattered heart yearned for a bowl of ramen before leaving this world. "It could be my final wish," a small smile dared to appear on his face at that comment, but his grief-filled mind murdered it before it could even leave a lasting impression.

"Hakata Ramen…"

-oOo-

It had been a while since Naruto had picked up a book, let alone read one thoroughly to gain information about anything.

'A very popular variety of Ramen.'

From what he had read, Hakata Ramen was not just limited to the Hakata region and was available throughout most of the important cities of Japan. Although it originally originated in the industrial area of Hakata in the city of Fukuoka, this ramen quickly gained popularity, leading to its availability in shops all across Japan. Fortunately for him, the city he currently was living in boasted a shop that served this delightful ramen. "Now, where is that shop?" Naruto murmured as he began to flip through the glossy pages of the massive travel guide.

Countless minutes passed, yet Naruto was unable to find any information about that particular ramen shop. It was as if the shop did not exist at all. "Where could it be?!"

"Shhh… you're disturbing the peace in the library, young man."

Naruto halted, shifting his gaze towards the individual who had abruptly disrupted his quest. He found himself face to face with an elderly gentleman who appeared to be in his late eighties, emanating an air of self-assurance and venerable wisdom. The young man felt confused by the elder's insistence on maintaining silence, even when the librarian was not nearby. He knew that the rules only needed to be followed when the staff was in close proximity. Not even the staff followed it wholeheartedly. Whenever Shikamaru was nearby, the librarian girl would squeal, but she always made sure to apologize afterward. "I'm sorry." In the end, it wasn't his world. It was an entirely different world, and he had no clue what was going on here, nor did he care to know.

"No problem, my child," the old man smiled at him with a gesture that took Naruto by surprise. There was something familiar about the man's smile; it reminded him of someone special, someone very close to his heart.

'Ero-sennin!' And in an instant, his already shattered heart fragmented even further, as his mind raced through the treasured memories of that foolish and deviant fool. Tears welled up in his eyes, but before they could fall, Naruto took a deep breath and turned away from the man's wistful smile. "I-"

The man surprised Naruto once again by placing a hand on his head and gently ruffling his bright blond hair. "What's wrong, boy? You look so sad," every word the man spoke pierced Naruto's heart like a needle.

"No…" Naruto responded quickly because the last thing he wanted was to have second thoughts about his ultimate objective. Even though he had become hardened on the outside, his heart and mind remained as fragile as they were during his first experience in that brutal war. "I'm alright, just a little tired from the journey," he replied, attempting to alleviate any concerns. However, his response failed to satisfy the man, who continued to scrutinize him with his old eyes, reminiscent of warm honey.

"Certainly." At last, the man shifted his gaze and diverted his attention to the book that he had been engrossed in. Then, with a wise and aged voice, he inquired, "Do you happen to be a passionate explorer?"

"Yeah. I've been on a nonstop journey, discovering one city after another for the past few years." It was a lie and Naruto didn't think the man would fall for it, but he was thoroughly surprised when instead of laughing at his answer, the man gave him a knowing smile and continued to flip the pages of the book. From the look of it, he seemed to be searching for something within those glossy papers. 'But what?' he thought.

The man's response came in the form of a hearty laughter, a laughter that contradicted the old man's previous remark about maintaining silence in the library. "Are you looking for Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen?" the man asked.

"Yes, but how-"

I have been listening to your musings for quite some time now." Another stifled chuckle slipped through the parched lips of the man, which irritated Naruto, who was bothered by the fact that the man had been eavesdropping on his personal affairs. The man was starting to resemble Jiraiya more than Naruto had anticipated. "Anyway, I don't think you'll appreciate Hakata ramen, kid."

Naruto was taken aback by the man's comment. What did the man mean by that? Why wouldn't he like Hakata tonkotsu ramen? They were renowned for their rich broth and mouth-watering flavor according to those drunk men, and experience had taught Naruto that drunk people rarely exaggerated. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice brimming with urgency. If this man was correct, there was no justification for him to waste additional time in this mysterious world.

"There's simply no comparison to the original Hakata ramen served in Fukuoka. Absolutely nothing can surpass it, not even the versions served in Tokyo."

The words of the man finally began to make sense in a way. 'He is right.' Naruto thought as he recalled the origin of the delicious ramen. They were first created there, so it was natural for them to taste spectacular in their hometown, but that didn't mean-

"Fukuoka's Hakata ramen is truly exceptional. You absolutely must try it."

'Ok. They taste completely different.' Depression began to kindle inside his mind once more. "How am I supposed to eat them now?" He was once again defeated, but this time it was by nothing but his own luck.

"You should visit Fukuoka. It's not too far from here," the man's voice snapped him out of his melancholic reverie.

"Really?"

The man nodded. "Only around 1500 km or so." Old wrinkled eyes curved down when they saw the disappointed look on the boy's face. For some reason, it made him sad. "You can travel by Shinkansen, my child. It won't take long." He attempted to lift his spirits, but, regretfully, his sadness only deepened.

"I can't afford it," Naruto answered, surprising the man.

"I see." Now everything clicked inside the man's mind. The boy was poor. "Then I regretfully cannot help you, young man." He said, appearing genuinely sorry for his inability to provide any help. He wanted to support but sadly didn't have the financial means to do so.

Naruto solemnly nodded his head. "It's not a big deal, really. I just wanted to taste it," he said, attempting to smile at the man. However, happiness was something that had left his side a long time ago. Now, his lips could not even form a fake smile. What once had been a sky full of kindling smiles was now nothing but a swamp of tears. The weight of sorrow and anguish had washed away those smiles.

"You should consider finding a source of income. Given your youth and good health, securing a job in this city shouldn't be too challenging. May I ask your age?"

"19."

A smile spread across the man's face. "Excellent, you could easily find a part-time job, young man!" The joy in his voice quickly faded as the boy abruptly stood up and started to walk away from him. "Hey-"

"Thank you for your time, sir."

In that fleeting instant, the elderly man witnessed an overwhelming sense of hopelessness in those blue eyes.

'Hopelessness.'

"WAIT!" shouted the old man, causing Naruto to stop in his tracks. "I'm sure you must have suffered greatly to have eyes like that, but remember this: scars of the past should not blind us to the potential for change in the future. It exists to remind us of what the future can be. Don't lose hope, young man. You will find your happiness one day."

Naruto remained silent, steadfastly striding forward.

-Later that night-

The air at the mountain top was bitterly cold, so cold that even Rias found it difficult to stand against.

Perhaps due to her current mental state or perhaps because the nights were consistently colder than the days, Rias found it increasingly difficult to withstand the force of the wind today.

'Speaking of nights...'

The nights were dark and the darkness they brought was always dreadful, so dreadful that it made her realize how lonely she had become. What was once her favorite time of day had now become a moment she desperately wanted to ignore every time.

The moon above, the stars beyond, and the stillness around no longer possessed the charm they once did. Once valued treasures of her heart, they were now mere reminders of her past suffering.

"I wonder what my friends are doing right now," Rias whispered, eagerly anticipating a response, but was instead met with a deafening silence that tugged at her heart.

'Hhahhh!'

Rias blinked as the distinct sound of teeth chattering reached her ears. Confused by the sudden interruption, she slowly turned her head to the side and was surprised to see a boy sitting a few meters away from her.

From the sounds coming from his mouth, Rias easily deduced that he was not faring well against the biting cold winds. His entire body trembled as he stood there, his clothing nothing more than a torn and worn-out top and trousers offering little protection against the cold.

A part of her wanted to ask him to leave or, at the very least, get some clothes that could withstand the freezing winds. However, the voice of reason prevented her from doing so. "Well, I'm not wearing any nice clothes either," she said with a small smile as Rias took notice of her outfit.

Simple and understated, they were nothing more than a classic combination of a white t-shirt, black leather jacket, and navy blue shorts. They were diligently concealing her intimate parts, but apart from that, her entire body was nearly exposed to the harsh cold winds.

"Haaahhh!"

Her ear perked up as the familiar sound once again infiltrated her senses. Her lips twisted into a scowl as Rias glanced to her side and spotted him once again, now shivering even more intensely than before. The sight was difficult to bear, especially knowing that the boy wouldn't survive the harsh cold of the night.

"Hey, stranger!" Finally, she made up her mind to help him.

Although she may have seemed dead and cold on the outside, she was still Rias Gremory, and Rias could never stand by and let innocent people suffer in front of her, no matter who they were. "Hello?" She squinted her eyes when she received no response from him. "Hey, stranger!" She called out again, this time with a stronger voice, but still got no answer.

Confused and concerned, she cautiously approached the boy, keeping a watchful eye out for any sudden attacks. Thieves were quite common in this part of Kuoh, so it wouldn't surprise her if he was one. Once she finally reached her destination, she carefully assessed the boy, keenly observing every inch of his body, and to her immense relief, she discovered no signs of harm. "Hey!" she whispered, trying not to startle him with her unexpected arrival.

'...'

A chilly gust of wind enveloped their bodies, causing their hair to wildly sway in the air. Amidst the dance of their hair, his captivating deep blue eyes met her mesmerizing greenish-blue gaze, leaving her completely enchanted and immobile.

Her thoughts faded as she gazed at the emotions radiating in his eyes, leaving her speechless. Like her own, his eyes were desolate, overwhelmed with a sense of powerlessness and anguish. They seemed like a never-ending sea of sadness, which momentarily made Rias question whether she was staring into a mirror.

"Yes?" whispered the boy, his bright blonde hair gracefully falling back into place.

Rias gulped, still stunned by what she had just witnessed. "I-I... W-what..." She was rendered speechless, her thoughts spinning in chaos as she grappled with the overwhelming situation she found herself in. She wanted to see them, her mind wanted to gaze into his eyes again. She wanted to see his beautiful yet strikingly familiar eyes, now hidden beneath his golden locks.

For a moment, she couldn't comprehend what was happening to her, but eventually, the sad realization began to weigh heavily on her.

He was just like her.

Rias let out a soft sigh and calmly took a seat beside the boy on the sturdy wooden bench. She blinked gently, her concern growing as she observed the boy flinch away from her presence. "Is everything alright?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern, her eyes fixed on him, noticing that he was still trembling.

"Y-yes…"

His response may have been brief and inconsequential, but the false strength and trembling in his voice bared his vulnerability, revealing everything Rias wanted to know. "I see..." However, she didn't make any effort to help him.

Why?

Becayse she was at a loss, unsure of what course of action to take. The situation in which she found herself was quite strange. How could she possibly assist him with his troubles when she was personally grappling with the same issue? Ignoring the subject completely, she fell silent and shifted her gaze towards the dark sky, fixating her eyes on the boundless sea of stars and darkness.

'Huh?'

She tilted her head in confusion as she noticed something unusual. 'It seems slightly more bearable than before. But why?' she whispered to herself. Just moments ago, the sky had appeared soul-crushing, as it had for what seemed like an eternity. But now, it looked different, it was the same sky, but it had a unique glow to it.

Rias' eyes widened as another sudden gust of wind caressed her skin. Before she could fully grasp what was happening, her gaze was drawn involuntarily to the boy's face, yearning for another glimpse of his eyes.

"..." Her breath got caught in her throat as the boy's hair soared above his head, revealing a fascinating glimpse of his eyes once more.

In those fleeting seconds, she took in everything: the sadness hidden in his eyes, the tears. She saw it all.

"W-what are you looking at?"

Rias snapped out of her stupor and immediately averted her gaze from the boy. "N-nothing!" she stammered, shame evident in her voice.

"You're already married," the boy whispered, pointing to the stunning and valuable ring that shimmered on her finger. "So don't even attempt to... ah-choo!"

Rias, who was staring at her ring with a somber expression, shifted her focus back to his hidden face upon hearing him sneeze loudly. Without hesitation, she swiftly removed her jacket and extended it towards the boy.

"..."

There was a brief pause before the boy broke the silence.

"I don't need that."

Rias shot back promptly. "Why?"

"Because I like these cold winds."

That response left her speechless. 'How can he possibly enjoy these winds when he is obviously suffering because of them?' Rias' mind once again began to drift, but this time she quickly regained control before it could wander any further. 'There's no need to worry about him,' she concluded confidently. He knew exactly what he was doing, and she had no authority to hinder his actions.

With that, the two fell silent again, resuming their activities from before they had engaged in that awkward conversation.

"Hey, stranger..."

After what felt like an eternity, the boy hesitantly opened his mouth again, readjusting his bright hair to get a better view of her.

"Hmm?" Rias was taken aback by his unexpected voice, but she maintained her composure and didn't turn her head towards him. She was determined not to appear interested in him or anything of the sort.

"How can I make quick money?"

Although it was a question from his perspective, for Rias it was all she needed from him. That simple question helped her understand what she so dearly wanted to know from him. 'He's poor and has a lot of debt.' Humans were like that. Unlike devils, they did not have an unlimited source of money, so it was common for them to find themselves trapped in a financial crisis.

"Are you listening?"

Rias blinked and glanced at the boy, only to bow her head in shame as she realized she hadn't acknowledged his inquiry. "Yes, I was listening," she blurted out to correct her previous mistake. "As for your question, I'm sorry, but I don't know of any job that can pay you a lot of money in a short time."

Her shame-filled expression and remorseful tone earned her a small smile from the boy. "It's okay," he whispered and resumed gazing at the stars.

Rias couldn't help but feel sorry for him as she watched his pained expression. Based on her observations, the boy seemed to be a decent person, and witnessing someone in such distress brought back memories of her own experiences. "If you don't mind, can I ask why you are trying to find such a job?" she inquired, clearly fascinated by the reasons driving his pursuit.

The boy stole a quick glance at her before averted his gaze. In that fleeting moment, it seemed as if he was deep in thought. "I want to visit Fukuoka," he replied curtly, igniting Rias' curiosity even further.

"For what?"

He fell silent for a few seconds, then whispered, "To taste the ramen there," completely unaware of the conflicted look on Rias' face.

"Ramen?" Rias pondered quietly. That wouldn't cost much. If he really wanted to visit the place, all he needed to do was get himself a part-time job for a month or two. "You don't need a lot of money for it, Mister. You can earn enough through part-time work," she informed him, hoping it might uplift his mood, but strangely, nothing happened. The boy remained as stoic as he was when she first saw him.

"I need to go there right now."

"Why?"

Rias's face contorted into a frown as silence once again enveloped the atmosphere surrounding them. Anticipating a response, she was met only with the all-too-familiar sound of silence.

"B-because I want to eat Hakata ramen before I die."

Her thoughts dissipated the moment she heard his response. "W-what?" She struggled to comprehend the words coming out of his mouth. Did the boy really say that he was going to die after eating that ramen? She hoped not, because if it were true, it would mean that he was just as broken as her.

"I said I don't have much time left. So I want to eat Hakata ramen before it's too late."

"I-"

"Lady Rias!"

Rias quickly distanced herself from the boy as soon as she heard Mihae's voice from behind. "Mihae," she responded, aiming for a natural tone despite the tumult of emotions within her.

"What are you doing here, Lady Rias?"

"Nothing," Rias answered.

"Then let's head back to your place. Dinner is ready."

"Hmm…"

-oOo-

"Who was that boy, Lady Rias?" Mihae's question plunged Rias into a vast ocean of memories, some good, others bitter.

'Hey, stranger!'

Her lips almost curved up when his voice echoed through her thoughts yet again, making it tingle with sensations that she had long forgotten.

Who was he?

She didn't know, but he held something with which she was very familiar with.

Pain.

When the wind had blown fiercely, causing their hair to flutter wildly, she caught a fleeting glimpse of his eyes, and that's when she saw them.

Sadness.

Grief.

Defeat.

Just like her, he was also suffering, perhaps even more, and that made her heart resonate with his. In a small and unexpected encounter, he was able to capture her interest, something her husband had failed to do in all these months.

"Lady Rias?"

Startled, she blinked and clumsily regained her balance as Mihae's sharp voice pierced the air. "Huh?" Confusion enveloped her momentarily, but soon her memory flooded back in waves. "Mihae, I have no idea who he was," she replied to the girl.

"Ohh…"

Rias nodded her head slowly.

"He was sitting very close to you, it gave me the impression that you must be his friend or something."

Rias blinked.

Friend?

Rias hardly ever had any friends, except for a few. Making friends proved to be quite challenging, and keeping them was even more difficult.

In the past, she had made genuine attempts to forge friendships and actually managed to succeed. However, she eventually chose to distance herself from those individuals after discovering that their only intention was to ridicule and torment her. That was not how friends were supposed to be—at least, not according to the book her mother had given her when she complained about not having any friends.

"We have arrived at your apartment, Lady Rias."

Rias glanced up, a nod of acknowledgement gracing her features, as her gaze lingered intently on the entrance of her apartment.

It was the only place where she truly felt at home, and it broke her heart to know that she would soon have to leave.

"Aahh!"

Rias didn't even flinch when she heard Mihae's cry of pain and the sound of a body hitting the floor right behind her. 'Huh?' She blinked as she heard the footsteps approaching and slowly turned to face whoever had made such a commotion.

-oOo-

Dead, bluish-green eyes met lifeless blue as the two locked gazes, each refusing to make a move.

"Hand over all of your money, immediately," Naruto whispered with a malicious tone, his voice laced with an undeniable threat that could send shivers down anyone's spine. However, to his great surprise, instead of displaying shock or fear for her life, the girl simply stared at him for a moment before reaching into her purse. Then, she calmly pulled out a stack of that green currency.

"Here," she mumbled, her expression as empty as a blank page. "Take it. You seem to need it more than I do," she added, perhaps attempting to justify her peculiar behavior.

That really caught Naruto off guard. How could someone simply surrender their money like that? It was evident that he was attempting to rob her. However, instead of putting up a fight or breaking down in tears, she simply surrendered everything without resistance! 'Maybe she is one of those rich girls who couldn't care less about money.' He didn't want to appear foolish, so he quickly pocketed the cash. 'Finished,' he thought to himself. Just as he was about to depart, the girl's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"If you need it, I have some more money stored in these drawers."

Naruto was once again taken aback by the girl's strange conduct. Why was she so willingly offering him more money? Didn't she have any desire to keep some for herself? What kind of person would engage in such an unprecedented act? Not even the most affluent individuals would think to do such a thing. "What do you mean?" he inquired, taking a small step closer to the girl.

Rias blinked at the boy standing right in front of her. "Oh, I knew you had something in mind the moment I saw you on the mountain. Come on, let's go to my bedroom then," she whispered, making no attempt to push the stunned boy away.

At this point, Naruto was seriously starting to get freaked out. What in the world was wrong with this girl? First, she was sitting alone at the top of the mountain, then she offered him more money than she should have in the first place, and now she was practically offering herself to him. "Listen," he said, struggling to collect his thoughts in her presence. "I have no intention of causing you any trouble. I simply need some money, nothing more. Please, give me the money and I'll be on my way." He concluded, hoping the girl would understand his predicament and allow him to leave. He no longer wanted to stay in her presence, for he knew that if he did, the burden of guilt in his soul would be too much to handle.

For the second time that night, his words ignited a spark within Rias, a feeling she hadn't experienced in months: confusion. Just moments ago, she had opened herself up to him, yet he seemed indifferent. Judging by his appearance and clothing, he resembled one of those individuals who lived on the streets. It only increased her confusion further, as she knew she was beautiful enough that any one of them would instantly ravage her if given the chance, like she had given him.

Breaking free from the endless cycle of pointless thoughts, she made the bold choice to engage in a meaningful conversation for the first time in ages. "How unusual," she whispered in her haunting voice. "Traveling so far, only to die at the end." Her gaze fixed upon the young boy, and briefly, she detected a hint of remorse within his eyes.

By now, Naruto had ceased to question what was happening. It was clear that the girl was not in the right state of mind, and he wanted no part of whatever madness she was immersed in. All he desired was the money. Once he obtained it, he could savor the flavor of the ramen and depart this world in peace. "It is of no concern to you. Just give me the money."

Rias nodded and began to walk towards the counters, occasionally stealing glances at him to ensure he didn't attempt anything unusual behind her back. "So, how do you intend to visit Fukuoka?" she inquired, carefully sifting through the documents strewn across the counters.

"Huh?"

"I mean by plane or train?"

Naruto fell silent for a moment, struggling to come up with a response to her question. What could he possibly say? He had no documents for travel, so he would have to make the entire journey on foot. "Eh… I'll mostly be walking." he said, with an awkward expression on his face.

The bluish-green eyes widened slightly. "Walking 1500km... It will take you months to complete this trip, stranger." Her words provoked an annoyed look from the boy.

Naruto blinked at the familiar word. She had used it on the mountain to call him. "I-I understand, but you don't need to worry about that. It's my responsibility to figure out how to complete this journey." He could feel the familiar weight of uncertainty settling in once again, knowing it wouldn't be long before he reverted to the bewildered guy she had met on the mountain. He needed to get away from here as soon as possible; otherwise, his mind would start questioning her about trivial matters.

"No, I was just wondering if you'd be interested in accompanying me on a trip to Fukuoka," Rias replied, her expression impassive. For her, it was a situation with only positive outcomes. If the boy agreed, she would have the opportunity to explore and experience Japan before eventually being discovered and forced back to the nightmare that was Riser and her new house. If the boy disagreed, it wouldn't matter. She would return and accept her fate.

While Rias was busy contemplating her future, Naruto, on the other hand, was staring at her in shock. Just now, he admitted to her that he was planning to commit suicide, and she still had the audacity to ask if she could go with him? Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he asked the girl in a tone full of questions.

"Why? Do you want to kill yourself too?"

In response, Rias shook her head decisively. "No, I have no intention of doing anything of the sort. I am happily married and living a good life. However, there is someone in Fukuoka whom I am excited to see," she replied as she forced a fake smile.

If Naruto had been in his right mind, he would have immediately exposed the blatant lies that this girl was obviously spewing. However, he was not thinking clearly and simply did not care. He knew he was going to die anyway, so why should he concern himself with what this strange girl wanted? If she wanted to keep her intentions hidden, so be it; there was nothing else she could do to him.

"Very well," he agreed, giving a firm nod. "However, you must bring extra money for your own expenses. I will not be sharing anything with you."

Rias looked at him in confusion. "But it's all my money-"

"Fine... just grab your belongings and meet me outside. The girl might wake up at any moment."

Rias didn't need to be told twice. There was no way she was going to miss this golden opportunity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for her. "Okay. Just give me a minute and I'll be all set. I only have a few things to pack."

"Hmm…"

-Outside the Apartment-

"Why does everything always have to be so complicated?" Naruto pondered silently as he recalled the events that had just transpired a while ago. "First, I messed up the dimensional travel, then I botched the suicide attempt on that bridge, and now I couldn't even pull off a robbery without acquiring something unwanted from it." Life was playing a cruel game with him, and he, like the shattered man that he was, could do nothing but endure the suffering.

"I swear I'm going to take all her money and then will leave her-"

"I'm ready." Her distinct voice made him turn in her direction.

"O-" Naruto found himself utterly mesmerized by the ethereal beauty of the married woman in front of him. He couldn't help but wonder what made her stand out from everyone else. Was it her wealth, or maybe it was her exceptional genes? He didn't know. Overall, she was someone who, although appearing to be human, looked nothing like a human at the same time. "Where is the money?" He quickly realized that the girl didn't have a purse in her hands.

Rias smiled at him, but this time Naruto saw right through it. It was a fake smile. "I brought a credit card instead of money. It's much more convenient than carrying a bulky stack of money, and it'll also ensure that you don't ditch me halfway through our trip."

"Oh..." Naruto whispered, unable to conceal the anger that was starting to manifest on his face. It seemed that despite her wealth, this girl was remarkably intelligent.

"Are we all set to start our journey now?"

Naruto gave a firm nod.

"The name is Naruto," he murmured after a long pause.

"Rias," replied Rias without delay.

The two fell into silence once again as they started walking along the deserted streets of Kuoh.

-END-

I hope you liked the chapter.

Drop a review if you can. It motivates me a lot.